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LAWRENCE — Donald Boyd Herron, 69, died Jan. 8 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Born April 17, 1943, in Dodge City, he was the son of R. Wayne and Marie J. Boyd Herron. He spent many summers working on the family farm near Spearville. He graduated from Kinsley High School in 1961. Don, his brother, Bob and their father enjoyed restoring, showing and parading old cars. Don received a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Fort Hays State University. On Aug. 1, 1965 he married Vae Jene Bowman in Smith Center. He worked as a physical education teacher in Mullinville and Harper where he coached football, basketball and track. Working in sales for Farmland Industries took Don to Great Bend where he lived for 24 years. During this time, he was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and AMBUCS. While volunteering as a Boy Scout leader for Troop #184 in Great Bend, Don was injured in a bus accident that resulted in quadriplegia. An ever-present positive attitude and loving support of family and friends extended his life beyond what is typically expected in his condition. Don came to Lawrence in 1998. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and an avid fan of KU football, basketball and volleyball.
Don served in the United States Army as a Personnel Specialist during the Vietnam War. He was a life member of the Masonic Lodge, Isis Shriners and American Legion.
Survivors include his wife, Jene, of the home; his daughter, Michelle Levy and husband Michael, of Lawrence; his son, Ty and wife Vickie Herron, of Shawnee; three grandchildren, Emma Levy, Hannah Levy, and Morgan Herron; and his brother, Bob Herron of Lampe, Mo.
Celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday in Brady Hall at the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to KSDS Assistance Dogs or Lawrence Community Shelter, sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be posted at www.rumsey-yost.com

Funeral arrangements provided by
Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home**
P.O. Box 1260
Lawrence, KS 66044
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 11, 2013